Henk Hoekstra
Professor of observational cosmology at Leiden University, the Netherlands. His research aims to shed light on the nature of dark matter and dark energy— the main ingredients of the Universe we seem to lack a good explanation for.
To this end, he uses the bending of light rays by matter throughout the Universe to reveal its presence. His research has been supported by a number of prestigious grants. Most recently, he has been awarded an Advanced Grant by the European Research Council to study the dark universe using Euclid, an ESA mission in which he plays a leading role. This space telescope was successfully launched on July 1st 2023 and will revolutionize our view of the dark matter distribution over much of cosmic history. Prof. Hoekstra also engages with the general public through lectures and collaborations with leading artists, such as Thijs Biersteker and the Nederlands Danstheater.
Unveiling a dark universe
As Einstein is purported to have said: “The most incomprehensible thing about the Universe is that it is comprehensible”.We appear to be failing, though, because recent progress has only led to more questions. Observations show that most of the matter is invisible, while the expansion of the Universe is accelerating due to dark energy. How did we get here, a Universe that is stranger than anybody could have imagined? Prof. Henk Hoekstra will guide us through the (scientific) process that allows us to study the unknown, even if we do not yet comprehend the meaning of the results. Can we apply the same principles to the creative process or teaching? And will the outcomes be as surprising?